Thursday, 28 November 2024

 Kathleen MATTHEWS-WARD (Broadmeadows) (17:43): (970) My adjournment is for the Minister for Creative Industries, and the action I seek is for the minister to join me on a visit to Musicland Melbourne in Sydney Road, Fawkner. Fawkner has a long history of supporting great Aussie music acts; for many it is unforgettable to think of AC/DC performing at Fawkner High in 1975. This legendary line-up – Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Mark Evans and Phil Rudd ‍– played right here in Fawkner before they became global stars. Today Fawkner continues to be a key location for local talent and music lovers. Musicland Melbourne is a popular venue, hosting live music performances across a range of genres. It is well loved by the local community as a place where fans enjoy watching both new and established artists.

Recently Musicland received a $10,000 grant from the Victorian Gig Fund delivered by the Allan Labor government, recognising its important role in Victoria’s live music scene. At the Fawkner festival on the weekend I had the opportunity to see Fawkner Primary School students’ incredible masterpieces, created thanks to another Labor government creative grant. I thank the Labor government and the minister for their ongoing support of the arts, live music and creative industries, especially today on Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, which many members have participated in with a fun photo shoot together this morning, and more than seven of us had AC/DC T-shirts on. The member for Pascoe Vale even brought his six- and 12-string guitar.

Live music venues are essential for the Australian music scene, and I thank Catherine and her dedicated team for their work supporting both local artists and the community. For over 20 years Musicland has been one of Melbourne’s top venues with its excellent stage, sound, lighting and video production facilities, but Musicland is more than just a venue. It is a creative space fostering artistic growth, community connection, creativity and mental wellbeing, and during the COVID lockdowns Musicland stayed connected to its audience by live streaming performances, helping musicians maintain their connections to fans.

Unfortunately I am tone-deaf and bereft of any musical talent, but I have always wanted to join a choir ‍– one of those choirs where you can sing your heart out and be drowned out by a room full of other voices, because humans singing together is a wonderful thing and a wonderful feeling. I am pleased to hear Musicland is now expanding its offerings. They plan to restart their community choir and host two open mic nights. I would be delighted for the minister to visit Musicland with me and congratulate Catherine and her team on their work and successful application for the Victorian Gig Fund.

I am just going to take a few extra seconds to say a very big thankyou to the Parliament staff and also a big thankyou to my electorate office staff for their wonderful work over the year.